The Boreal Toad The boreal toad is a subspecies of the western toad that can be found in a protected habitat here in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). It is the only species of alpine toad found in Colorado! You can also find this toad in other areas of Colorado, as well as the Mountain West from the US into Canada. These toads thrive in high altitude fresh water, as exposure to seawater can kill them. Boreal toads are brown and green with a distinct white mid-dorsal stripe. You will have to look closely to find them as you won’t hear them due to their lack of a vocal sac. The boreal toad is omnivorous and feeds on a variety of insects as well as plants.  Like many amphibians worldwide, the boreal toad is on the endangered species list. Its main threat is chytrid fungus. Climate change is making this fungus more prevalent, leading to more toads being exposed every year. Research is being done in RMNP in an effort to help save these toads.